Horses escaping from a field in Farncombe have left a community in ‘uproar’.

The field in Furze Lane, near to the B3000 between Farncombe and Compton, has been home to horses for around two years, but poor fencing around the perimeter means it is easy for them to escape and roam the village.

Candice Whitbourn, who lives in Northbourne, said: “The RSPCA and police are always being called out. The police tape put on the fence is comical, but all they do is put the horses back in and that’s the end of it.

“As a community we are all in uproar that the fencing can be left in such a state with the horses being left to escape, putting the horses and drivers, especially along the busy Compton straight, in such danger. The fact that this situation can just be left and no one is made to repair the fences, or the council don’t just step in and do it for everyone’s safety, is appalling.”

Mrs Whitbourn said she had seen the escaped horses galloping along the B3000 on one occasion.

Percy Podger, who owns the field next door, claims the horses should not be there at all.

He said: “I sold that field to Croudace and they are planning to build on it. I have helped put the horses back on many occasions.”

There was a decision target set for Monday March 16, but the final decision is still pending with Waverley Borough Council.

Some 30 people have objected to the plans, in part because the land surrounding the field is marked as flood zone two and three by the Environment Agency.

Croudace Homes declined to comment on allegations that the full amount for the field had not been paid.

They also declined to comment on the poor fencing allegations and whether they had been asked to complete any maintenance.

At the beginning of February, the RSPCA and Surrey Police were called out to the field when a horse was found to have colic.

A spokesman for the force said: “The neighbourhood team in Farncombe is fully aware of the situation with horses escaping from the field in Furze Lane and has been working with the local council and the RSPCA to resolve the matter.

“Officers have recently spoken to the owner of the horses and advised him of his responsibilities to provide adequate fencing for his animals.

“The owner has been given a period of time to comply with the request and failure to do so will result in further police action.”